Tory MSP Adam Tomkins says his amendment clarifies the statutory purpose of the principles is so they can be reflected in the charter.

Mr Tomkins thanks the minister for agreeing to this amendment.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says she is happy to support both amendments.

Consensus! Both amendments are duly unanimously agreed to.

First up is the group titled 'Scottish social security principles'.

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie explains her amendment is a repeat of one from colleague Mark Griffin at stage 2 and confirms it is backed by stakeholders.

She says the language of the Bill as it stands is "weak".

Her amendment strengthens the language by ensuring efforts to "advance" equality, she says.

MSPs will now debate and vote on amendments to the Social Security Bill, external.

To follow this in detail you'll need:

• Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (web only) (530KB pdf posted 19 April 2018), external
• Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (Revised) (425KB pdf posted 20 April 2018), external

Image source, bbc

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh invites MSPs to welcome BSL sign language interprepters to the chamber, which they warmly do.

If you wish to watch the interpreters click on Scottish Parliament TV here., external

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, Getty Images

Legislation that will establish a devolved Scottish social security system is to be passed by MSPs at decision time at 7.10pm this evening.

Holyrood is being given responsibility for 11 benefits, including disability living allowance, personal independence payments and carer's allowance.

The benefits are relied upon by 1.4 million people across the country, and are worth about £3.3bn a year.

The devolution of the powers is being staggered, with the benefits system due to be fully operational by 2021.

The payments will be administered by a new Scottish social security agency, headquartered in Dundee and Glasgow, with 1,500 jobs split across the two sites.

A further 400 people will be employed at smaller sites across the country.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

MSPs will now vote on Stage 3 amendments to the Social Security Bill.

The proposed legislation sets out principles and a general framework for Scottish social security following the devolution of 11 social security benefits in the Scotland Act 2016.

They will then debate the legislation for the final time, before voting on it at decision time, which this evening begins at 7.10pm.

Image source, Lerwick Port Authority

Shetland is set for a record-breaking year for cruise liner visitors.

Lerwick Port Authority said that about 92,000 passengers are expected over the next eight months - up more than 80%.

This includes the most passengers yet on a single vessel, with more than 4,500 on MSC Meraviglia.

Victor Sandison, Lerwick Port Authority's senior commercial executive, said: "The scale of cruise activity this year will make it a great season for Lerwick and Shetland."

What action is the government taking to encourage more tourists to visit Orkney and Shetland, queries Tory MSP Peter Chapman.

Image source, bbc

Back in 2012 we reported that thirty-nine sites of violent clashes on Scottish soil had been officially recognised in Scotland's Inventory of Historic Battlefields.

The database was put together by Historic Scotland to give greater protection to the sites and to act as a guide to planning authorities.

It includes famous battles such as Bannockburn, Culloden and Killiecrankie.

Less well known Alford and Skirmish Hill also feature.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser asks what work is being done to ensure that historic battlefields are preserved.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop points to investment in the Youth Music Initiative to ensure all pupils have the chance to learn an instrument.

Additional funding to Sistema Scotland and the national performing companies is also referred to.

Mr Arthur expresses concern that children will lose out because of some local authority decisions to reduce music tuition.

Ms Hyslop agrees, noting this is a particular problem in secondary schools.

She confirms she has instructed her officials to work with education officials.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur ask how the governemnt supports participation in music.

How does the governmen support built heritage in the Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn constituency, asks SNP Bob Doris.

Image source, Creative Scotland

Earlier this month Creative Scotland said it had begun, what it termed, an "important phase" recruitment for the new Screen Unit.

The Screen Unit is a partnership between Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council.

The Scottish government is providing an additional £10m to support Scotland’s Screen sector, bringing the total funding for screen to £20m in 2018/19.

Highlighted in the 2017 Programme for Government was a commitment to create a dedicated screen unit within Creative Scotland to coordinate existing and new public sector investment and resources more effectively.

Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour wants to know what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland regarding the appointment of the head of the new Screen Unit.

International Development Minister Alasdair Allan says Scotland looks to work with any country.

Mr McKee asks about funding for Palestine.

Mr Allan agrees to meet with the member, adding that humanitarian funding has been provided to Gaza in the past.

SNP MSP Ivan McKee asks the Scottish government what scope there is through its International Development Fund to support projects that are not in its four partner countries, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Pakistan.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop says it does not receive direct funding from the Scottish government, with it instead being funneled through VisitScotland.

It is for VisitScotland to decide how much money EventScotland receives, she adds.

Mr Macdonald asks about funding for the Bo'ness climb and Ms Hyslop confirms meetings are taking place on the event.